Imaging Device USB Power Control via Battery Status Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices connected to USB PD-compliant devices may unintentionally stop functioning when the USB cable is pulled out, potentially causing data loss or firmware issues due to unknown battery status, as they rely on external power without ensuring sufficient battery charge.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device includes a microcomputer and charging IC to detect the battery status and remaining charge, enabling safe power supply from a USB PD-compliant device, ensuring that the device only activates with a fitted battery and sufficient charge, and displaying compliance status to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging device relies on external power from USB PD-compliant devices, then the device can be powered externally, but the device may unintentionally stop functioning when the USB cable is pulled out, causing data loss or firmware issues
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device performs preliminary detection of battery presence and charge level before enabling external power supply mode. The microcomputer checks whether a battery is fitted and whether the remaining charge is sufficient to maintain operation during cable disconnection, preparing the device in advance to handle power transitions safely
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery status (presence and charge level) and uses this feedback to control the power supply mode. Based on the detected battery status, the microcomputer determines whether to enable or disable external power supply, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions
2Ease of operation
If the imaging device enables external power supply without checking battery status, then the device can operate flexibly, but unintended power cutoffs may occur during recording or firmware updates
Solution Approach 1:
Before enabling external power supply mode, the microcomputer performs preliminary checks to detect battery presence and assess remaining charge levels. This advance preparation ensures that the device only transitions to external power mode when the battery can provide sufficient backup power, preventing harmful power cutoffs during critical operations like recording or firmware updates
3Use of energy by moving object
If the imaging device uses USB power without ensuring sufficient battery charge, then the device can be powered externally, but the device may stop functioning when the cable is pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of battery presence and charge level before enabling external power mode. The microcomputer verifies that the battery has sufficient remaining charge to maintain operation during potential cable disconnection, ensuring continuous operation without interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device uses the battery as a cushioning power source before external power is fully utilized. By ensuring the battery has sufficient charge beforehand, the system creates a power buffer that can sustain operation during transient power interruptions or cable disconnection events
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging device 1 is an imaging device in and from which a battery (20) can be fitted, the imaging device comprising a CMOS image sensor 37, a USB port 16, and a microcomputer 11. The CMOS image sensor 37 images a subject. The USB port 16 supplies power to the imaging device 1 via a USB cable. The microcomputer 11 detects whether or not the battery 20 is fitted in the imaging device 1. The microcomputer 11 enables an action of the CMOS image sensor 37 by means of the power from the USB port 16 when the battery 20 is fitted in the imaging device 1. The microcomputer 11 disables the action of the imaging unit that rely on the power from the USB port 16 when the battery 20 is not fitted in the imaging device 1.